Show Notes
Johnathan Blake makes music as an extension of life. It’s one reason his alert and expressive drumming has lifted so many leading bands, from the Kenny Barron Quartet to the Maria Schneider Orchestra to the Kris Davis Trio.
And it’s the animating principle behind his output as a solo artist, whether he’s honoring his late father on Passage or speaking out about injustice on My Life Matters, his latest release.
Johnathan, born and raised in Philly, recently stopped by WRTI for a conversation with Josh Jackson about family legacy, musical priorities, and an artist’s obligation in trying times.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
04:51 Interview
38:32 Recap
41:45 This I Dig
Want to support The Late Set? Become a WRTI member: wrti.org/donate
Follow us on Instagram
Subscribe on YouTube
Write us an email: [email protected]
More from The Late Set
A bonus drop celebrating our two Signal Awards nominations! Vote for The Late Set in two categories:
The Myth We Chose, the entrancing new album by South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, foregrounds hope and healing, and a conviction in the redemptive power of connection. It’s a song-forward statement for Makhathini, who is also a composer, vocalist, philosopher, and ambassador for the Global South.
John Coltrane’s centennial has brought a flurry of tributes and testimonials, along with archival discoveries. At WRTI, we’re gearing up for “A Love Park Supreme,” a weeklong celebration in the city that Coltrane called home. And here at The Late Set, we’re doing what we do best: digging into an enlightened conversation.
Jazz radio has never had a better friend than Rhonda Hamilton. During a broadcasting career spanning nearly 50 years, she’s brought the music to a worldwide audience with her trademark warmth, integrity and composure.
When SML dropped its 2024 debut, the group’s admixture of loopy groove, staticky texture and shifting timbre came on like a transmission from the outer reaches. Behind the music was a method: rangy collective improv whittled down to size, based on a trove of live tape.